Parana pine (Araucaria angustifolia)

Species: Parana pine (Araucaria angustifolia)

Status: Critically Endangered (CR)

Interesting Fact: The Parana pine is one of Brazil’s rarest trees.

Historically a widespread species, the Parana pine is now only found in about 3% of its former range. Today relic populations of this species can be found in areas of Brazil,Argentina and Paraguay. The Parana pine is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. This species is wind pollinated, and two years after pollination, large cones containing the seeds develop in the upper branches of mature trees. The seeds produced by this majestic tree are an important food source for a wide variety of animals, including birds and small rodents as well as local human populations, who have been exploiting them for centuries.

The Parana pine suffered from intensive, unsustainable logging throughout the 20^th century as its high quality wood was exploited for the timber trade. Its fruit and seeds were also heavily exploited. Amongst the remaining population, there is a significant lack of fruiting trees, and so the reproduction potential of this species is low. Sale of this species was banned in 2001, and a number protected areas have been established where remaining populations of this species is found.

See more information about the Parana pine on the Gymnosperm Database website

View photos of the Parana pine on ARKive.

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With George Bradford previously showing his admiration for the small and mighty side of the animal kingdom, will this week’s ARKive staff member favour fluffiness over ferocity?

Lauren Pascoe – ARKive Media Researcher

Favourite species? Leatherback turtle

Why? The leatherback turtle is one of the ocean giants. Perhaps not the prettiest of species, the leatherback turtle’s elegance comes to form in the water. It can perform swimming feats that I’m in awe of – diving up to 1,000 metres (which, by the way, no other reptile could do – the leatherback can maintain an elevated body temperature at cold depths) and travelling thousands of kilometres across the oceans.

Favourite leatherback turtle image on ARKive?

Male leatherback turtle in open ocean

The leatherback turtle is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. Its threats include climate change changing the sex of the embryo throughout the incubation period and rising sea levels decreasing the amount of suitable nesting areas. Ocean currents changing is also a major threat to migrating juveniles of this species as well as habitat loss, boat traffic accidents and ingestion of discarded plastic.

See more pictures and videos of the leatherback turtle.

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Even the most bright eyed and bushy tailed of the ARKive team are beginning to show looks of fear as the imminent deadline for their favourite species draws closer. Last week we marvelled at the magnificent scarlet macaw with Liz Shaw, which species is our staff member going ape for this week?

Hannah Mulvany – ARKive Species Text Author Intern

Favourite species: Pygmy three-toed sloth

Why? I’ve always loved sloths, they are so calm and appear to take everything in their stride. They seem really loving and on most pictures I have ever seen of them they are cuddling up to each other with what looks like a big smile on their face. As they are covered in algae they may not actually be too pleasant to cuddle in real life! I also like how peaceful they are, using camouflage and stillness in order to protect themselves from predators rather than violent conflict.

Favourite image on ARKive?

Pygmy three-toed sloth in arboreal habitat

The pygmy three-toed sloth is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Threats to this species include illegal hunting and the degradation of its habitat due to visitors to Isla Escudo de Veraguas, the island to which this species is endemic.

See more photos and videos of the pygmy three-toed sloth.

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